Did you know... that in at least 22 states and the District of Columbia, by law teachers can be forced to pay union dues as a condition of employment?

The Association of American Educators Foundation has partnered with the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation to let teachers know that they have options. This page is dedicated to information on teacher rights.

AAE Position on Forced Unionism

AAE believes that teachers should not be forced to pay a union simply for the privilege of having a job in a public school. The practice of forcing dues from teachers’ paychecks is called compulsory unionism or forced unionism.

AAE believes that teachers, as college-educated professionals, should be able to decide whether union membership matches his or her budget and beliefs.

AAE believes that the professional educator responsibly accepts that every child has a right to an uninterrupted education free from strikes or any other work stoppage tactics.

AAE believes that strikes, sick outs and other protests denigrate the teaching profession.

There are thousands of educators in New Jersey and in 21 other states who do not want to be represented by a union and do not want to pay union dues but are forced to because of state laws.

Forced unionism and forced dues are serious business for the unions. In 2010, teachers unions collected $2 billion in union dues. $1.3 billion of those dues came from states with compulsory unionism.

Union dues are highest in states where there is compulsory unionism – sometimes twice as much as compared to states where teachers have the option not to join the union.

If you live in a compulsory union state (see map below) and become an agency fee payer or religious objector, it is important that you protect your career with legal protection and liability insurance. You can join AAE for $16.50 per month and receive a $2 million personal liability policy as well as other great benefits. You can learn more by browsing our website. You can click here to join AAE.